BRAZILIAN goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe pulled-off a contender for “best save of all-time” during the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday night.
The stopper, 30, was turning out for Gremio in their cup semi-final first-leg clash against Ecuador’s surprise package Barcelona SC.
During the game, two-cap Brazil international Grohe made a sensational save from point-blank range to deny the minnows.
As a lovely cross made its way towards the back post, Barcelona’s Ariel Nahuelpan looked dead-set on hammering the ball into an open net from just two yards out.
However, Grohe – well-known for his cat-like reflexes – launched himself to his right.
Not only did the Brazilian manage to get a hand on it, he did so with such a strong wrist he managed to turn the ball away.
Grohe – who’s been at Gremio for over a decade – then threw himself on the ball to deny Barcelona… and keep his clean sheet in tact.
Gremio went on to win the first-leg 3-0 in Ecuador, ahead of next Wednesday’s game.
The Brazilian outfit now appear to be the favourites to reach the final – where they will play one of Argentine duo Lanus or River Plate.
Should Gremio reach the final – which they almost certainly now will – they will become the first Brazilian side to reach the showdown since 2013.
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Here’s what Twitter had to say on the Grohe’s stunning stop – with comparison’s to Gordon Banks‘ Pele heroics at the forefront of everyone’s mind…
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